Too much regulation on a nascent industry could indeed stifle innovation. But a completely hands-off approach from the federal government will turn drivers on public roads into unwitting lab rats, and it could result in fatalities.

If the allegations detailed in Michelle Savoy's EEOC complaint are true, they reflect a corrupt corporate culture that should embarrass the leaders of BMW and serve as a wake-up call to the entire auto industry.

When this debate concludes, regardless of how it concludes, the result will have a major impact on jobs, employment costs and the disposable income of nearly every American. And that will ultimately affect auto sales.